Scooters, twist and go's, Mopeds

[baylensman]

We've kind of veered into this topic in a few other threads but its time to get it all together.

The recent gas price increase led to a lot of folks getting two wheeled transport. In my state FL 2 wheel vehicles don't count as a vehicle against your auto policy if you have a teen in the house, so they don't become a PRIMARY operator if you and the wife each have a car and your RSV sitting in the garage.

 

Well it turns out that any vehicle under 50cc and or partialyl pedal powered does not require in our state (FL) insurance or a special operators license even for teens. Several folks have interperted this as meaning that their 13 year old can drive to school!!

 

Well I for one am really upset that these yahoos give the rest of us a bad rap!

 

I've see it all. In just the past month on a six lane hiway through town heavily traveled and speeds in excess of 60 mph.

 

Three people on a scooter! Driving a rather large woman, teen girl on the back also large, with a grade schooler also large standing on the floor board, all carrying groceries in each hand!! Doing 25 MPH and taking the whole lane!

 

An individual on a scooter swung to the right, at least 200 yards from the red light, into the bicycle lane and passed all the stopped traffci, when he got to the light he stopped looked and crossed in the cross walk while it was red! After hitting the road on the other side of the light he moved back into a vehicle lane and speed off.

 

A young man in shorts bare chest, bare feet moving at a least 45 MPH.

 

I my writing to my NEW congress man to see about modifing the current laws, I want to see the following. (now he's one of the few DEMS who unseated a REP so unless he can figure out a way to tax the he might ignore me)

 

1. All two wheel powered vehcile that are operated on the hiway must be licensed and insured!

2. Operators of any two wheeled vehicle must take a state ceritfied course ( now just motorcycle endorsement for bike over 51 cc require this).

3. Splitting lanes and use of bicyle lanes is strictly prohibited.

4. Maximum usage is 2 persons and all persons under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and eye protection,

5. Closed toe shoes at all times, and no bare torso's

6. Twist and go, Moped or motorcycles of less than 50 cc's are restricted to side streets.

7. All two wheeled vehicles primarly operated by someone under 21 years of age gets a special plate. (already have this but applies to the owner only) stops dad from

buying his 16 year old a 2 wheeled rocket with an unrestricted plate.

8. Any two wheeled vehcile being operated by a person who is not certified, will be impounded!

 

 

Did I miss any?

[WildBill1]

Mopeds are a nuisance. I give them no respect on the road.

[Flyinfool]

Yup you missed some.

 

In #1 , All powered vehicles that operate on a roadway, must be licensed and insured regardless of size or number of wheels.

in #4 , everyone needs eye protection regardless of age.

Number 4 and 5 contradict each other. If you are not required to wear a helmet, than why have to cover toes and torso?

Number 7, dad will just say he is the primary operator and nothing will change.

In #8 , Any vehicle that is operated by someone unlicensed will be impounded, regardless of number of wheels.

[cowpuc]

Looks like Florida has some similar laws to Michigan (read below).. Here though the kids can get a moped license when they are 14. Here, a moped rider can be ticketed if they pull onto the shoulder to let cars go by and are required to stay on the roadway. If you pass them inside of their lane it's a violation, they are the same as motorcycles and entitled to the space in their lane.

*****

Introduction

In Florida, there are classifications for both mopeds and motorized scooters. Be aware of which classification your vehicle falls into, as there are different requirements for each.

If your vehicle exceeds the specifications for a moped or motorized scooter, it will be classified as a motorcycle and will be held subject to all Florida motorcycle licensing and registration laws.

[h=2]Moped Classification in Florida[/h] A moped is defined as a vehicle that has:

 

• A seat for the rider
  
• Pedals that allow you to propel the vehicle
  
• 3 wheels or fewer
  
• A motor of two-brake horsepower or less
  
• Maximum speed of 30 MPH on level ground
  
• An automatic power-drive system that does not require the rider to manually change gears
  
• Displacement of 50 cc or less (for those with an internal combustion engine)
  

[h=2]License, Registration and Insurance Requirements[/h] All moped drivers need to have a valid Class E driver's license and be at least 16 years old or older to drive a moped on a public road. Your moped must be registered, which you can do at your local county tax collector office. You will be issued motorcycle license plates, which you will need to renew annually. If you're under 21 years old, your plate will have a distinctive design and color.

The fee for registering a moped is $5, though other statutory fees and titling fees may apply.

You will need to observe the following requirements and regulations:

 

• You will not be allowed to ride your moped on bike or foot paths
  
• All passengers 16 years old or under must wear a helmet
  

Moped drivers are no longer required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance in order to register a moped in FL.

[h=2]Florida Motorized Scooter[/h] A motorized scooter is defined as a vehicle that is:

 

• without a seat or saddle for the use of the rider
  
• Designed to travel on 3 wheels or less
  
• Operates at a maximum speed of 30 MPH on level ground
  

You are required to have a valid Class E driver's license and you must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorized

******

 

:scratchchin:At the end of the day Bay,, when all else fails,,, you can always join em if ya cant whoop em..

[snyper316]

We've kind of veered into this topic in a few other threads but its time to get it all together.

The recent gas price increase led to a lot of folks getting two wheeled transport. In my state FL 2 wheel vehicles don't count as a vehicle against your auto policy if you have a teen in the house, so they don't become a PRIMARY operator if you and the wife each have a car and your RSV sitting in the garage.

 

Well it turns out that any vehicle under 50cc and or partialyl pedal powered does not require in our state (FL) insurance or a special operators license even for teens. Several folks have interperted this as meaning that their 13 year old can drive to school!!

 

Well I for one am really upset that these yahoos give the rest of us a bad rap!

 

I've see it all. In just the past month on a six lane hiway through town heavily traveled and speeds in excess of 60 mph.

 

Three people on a scooter! Driving a rather large woman, teen girl on the back also large, with a grade schooler also large standing on the floor board, all carrying groceries in each hand!! Doing 25 MPH and taking the whole lane!

 

An individual on a scooter swung to the right, at least 200 yards from the red light, into the bicycle lane and passed all the stopped traffci, when he got to the light he stopped looked and crossed in the cross walk while it was red! After hitting the road on the other side of the light he moved back into a vehicle lane and speed off.

 

A young man in shorts bare chest, bare feet moving at a least 45 MPH.

 

I my writing to my NEW congress man to see about modifing the current laws, I want to see the following. (now he's one of the few DEMS who unseated a REP so unless he can figure out a way to tax the he might ignore me)

 

1. All two wheel powered vehcile that are operated on the hiway must be licensed and insured!

2. Operators of any two wheeled vehicle must take a state ceritfied course ( now just motorcycle endorsement for bike over 51 cc require this).

3. Splitting lanes and use of bicyle lanes is strictly prohibited.

4. Maximum usage is 2 persons and all persons under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and eye protection,

5. Closed toe shoes at all times, and no bare torso's

6. Twist and go, Moped or motorcycles of less than 50 cc's are restricted to side streets.

7. All two wheeled vehicles primarly operated by someone under 21 years of age gets a special plate. (already have this but applies to the owner only) stops dad from

buying his 16 year old a 2 wheeled rocket with an unrestricted plate.

8. Any two wheeled vehcile being operated by a person who is not certified, will be impounded!

 

 

Did I miss any?

 

WOW ok here is a kicker that Springfield just passed.

https://www.springfieldmo.gov/392/Motorized-Bikes-Mopeds

[Karaboo]

In my neck of the woods we have to contend with ATV's sharing most roads that are not numbered or lettered. They do not have any safety equipment (turn signals, horns, mirrors) and only require a safety course for underage operation. They do not follow helmet laws, even for underage operators. They are supposed to stay as far off the roadway as possible, but you have to be aware that they can turn without warning.

I don't mind ATV's for trail riding, since the road crossings are marked but some people use them as a substitute for their car when they lose their license.

[snyper316]

Springfield pretty much outlawed scooters unless they can find this insurance. I tried to get insurance on my 50cc and was told we do not provide insurance on anything less then 80cc. I did try several I finally gave in and bought my 150cc and put full coverage on it. Then I moved up to the bike I have now. I mainly do my riding for fun but also wanted something I could take for long distances, and that 150cc when I would ride it to Joplin, Mo my a$$ would be numb and sore by the time I got there. But living in Neosho this law don't apply to me but they have let me get away with having one kid on the floor board in front of me. Probably cause I wasn't on a state highway I was just riding him around on the town roads and not the highway plus when I do ride my kids I have a math in my head which is 6mph for age. So 35 tops for my youngest son and 55 for my daughter. But she is tall for her age she knows to hold on and sit still. the youngest likes to laugh at the antenna when I hit the bumps. I have seen some kid in Joplin riding a scoot on the sidewalk. In most towns in Missouri that I have lived in the sidewalk is for pedestrians no rollerblades, Skateboards, bikes, Or motorized vehicles. Now most tend to allow things like powerwheels but that is the closest to motorized your gonna get on a sidewalk. I believe Washington Missouri just outlawed the use of hoverboards on city sidewalks or they were working towards it.

[camos]

I don't know about the other provinces but here in BC scooters under 50cc with CV transmissions do not require a motorcycle license but do require the driver to have a valid motor vehicle license and insurance. A moped whether gas or electric are deemed to be bicycles which do not require either licence or insurance.

 

All cyclists are expected by law to follow the same rules of the road that motorists must. Far too many cyclists display an attitude that they are not or should not be held to follow any of the rules of the road that motorists are required to follow. They are a danger to themselves and to everyone around them. The problem is so large that there are not enough police available to enforce compliance and since there is no licence required there is no way to prevent frequent abusers of the rules. It is not a good situation.

[Kretz]

I don't know about the other provinces but here in BC scooters under 50cc with CV transmissions do not require a motorcycle license but do require the driver to have a valid motor vehicle license and insurance. A moped whether gas or electric are deemed to be bicycles which do not require either licence or insurance.

 

All cyclists are expected by law to follow the same rules of the road that motorists must. Far too many cyclists display an attitude that they are not or should not be held to follow any of the rules of the road that motorists are required to follow. They are a danger to themselves and to everyone around them. The problem is so large that there are not enough police available to enforce compliance and since there is no licence required there is no way to prevent frequent abusers of the rules. It is not a good situation.

 

Agree totally Clive, it really is getting ridiculous! I've seen so much bad driving by these small unlicensed, uninsured vehicles it really makes me angry. My argument is that they are quite capable of seriously damaging property or even killing someone & no-one knows who they are. There is no way to trace them in the event of an accident if they decide to take off. Cyclists are just the same! I had a near miss recently when this clown on a small scoot to the right of me, in a right turn lane took off from the lights & cut in front of me to actually go straight on.

[uncledj]

Wife and I were on vacation in the Dominican Republic a few years back, and it seems scooters are the primary mode of transportation down there.

I saw one of those MB5 bikes with a guy driving, woman and child squeezed onto the seat behind him, and TOWING A TRAILER piled high with garbage bags full of something....

I guess it beat walking.

I think those MB5 are 50cc, so that had to be a heck of a strain on that little powerplant.

[baylensman]

I saw where someone posted the legal defintion of "MOPED" ha. There was one scooter company that actually put pedal on a 250cc step thru just so it could be a "moped" There's suposeed to be a 15 hp aor 150 cc limit on the interstates also.

 

biggest issue is enforcement, cops should be pulling these guys and gals over left and right till the word gets out be legal or walk!!

 

As far as helmet versus bare feet and bare torso. The helmet no helmet things has been done to death its become a personal choice. However no shoes or flip flops affects other drivers because of your reluctance to put done a foot as needed. Bare torso, here again the helemet no helmet. In our state your supposed to have PIP of a certain level ($30,00) i think to operate sans headgear. Same should be true for no shirt due to road rash!!! Again enforcement, bring back inspecton stickers, twice a year your vehicle goes to a state or state approved facility and they check registration and insurance, as well as a cursory exam, Bald tires NO STICKER no lights or mirrors NO STICKER. On the road NO STICKER you get pulled over and impounded.

[Sailor]

Here a moped or scooter must be 50cc or less. If it has auxiliary pedals they don't need a motorcycle licence. If they have a motorcycle licence they must have passed their test on a 400cc or bigger before they can carry a passenger. No vehicle may drive on the highway unless it can keep up with the traffic.

I have seen more mopeds on the roads here but only on the side roads. It seems a lot of people are buying them, riding one summer and selling them after they have had the s*** scared out of them. A few people have bought electric scooters. Unfortunately for them the hills here mean you see a lot of them parked halfway up a hill and for sale a week or so later.

The biggest headache we have, besides ignorant drivers, is bicyclists. They are arrogant, refuse to follow any rules of the road and feel it is their right to block traffic. Unfortunately our local government panders to them which encourages them to be even more arrogant and ignorant.